As summer 2021 is around the corner, we’re all excited to get out and socialise once again. Let’s get our skin healthy, comfortable and fresh this season. Here are 5 affordable, easy-to-use options to get your skin up to scratch that you can use alongside your favourite beauty products!
1. JML Finishing Touch Flawless Facial Hair Trimmer:
This has changed the game for my skincare routine! If you have sensitive skin but like to remove facial hairs, this is the one for you. This rechargeable facial trimmer comes in a travel sized cylinder shape and has a lid (like lipstick packaging). It is a great option for those who don’t enjoy the chore of waxing or fear of blades. Its soft rounded blade means that you don’t feel anything at all and it leaves no irritation to your skin, which is definitely what people look for when it comes to removing facial hair! When you’re done, twist the top of the blade and all the hair can be thrown in the bin so there’s no build-up, it also comes with a little brush to remove any stuck hair in the blades.
This works to remove peach fuzz on your face or fine hair on your skin but shouldn’t be used as a substitute for normal shaving of thick hair growth or dermaplaning. It does make my face feel and look so soft and I also find it leaves a brightening effect. I begin my skincare routine with this if needed, leaving a great base for all my skincare to absorb well and look glowing!
My favourite part is applying makeup after I’ve used this and my skincare. Many methods of hair removal that leave behind raw, sensitive skin. Applying makeup or touching your face can be risking business as you’re more prone to irritation and blemishes. This shaver needs to be used more frequently than you would need a wax, but as long as you keep it charged and at hand, it’s quick and easy to use.
2. Tropic Bamboo Cloth:
An inexpensive and basic difference to your routine of a normal cloth. It is an amazingly soft, high-quality bamboo cloth that I love. They come in cream or grey, in case of products staining the cloth. I use this when I’m cleansing my face as I like to use a cream wash off cleanser, or when I’m removing a mask. They can be hand washed once a week so they’re easily maintained, or pop it in a cold wash as hot water can make bamboo shrink. Bamboo has antibacterial properties which means that it buffs away dead skin cells but also requires less washing than 100% cotton cloths that usually hold onto dirt and fray. It is also better for the environment and longer-lasting!
3. Revolution Double-Ended Masking Brush:
If you’re someone like me who loves a mask 1-3 times a week, you’ll love this. Some people like applying with their hands, but I say a clean applicator will do the job better! One end is silicone, the other is a brush. My two favourite masks to use in the T-zone or on blemishes are the Tropic Clear Skin Blemish Mask and The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Clay Mask. I would use the silicone side for these as they are thicker masks and harder to apply. My go to moisturising and hydrating mask I like to use on the rest of my face and neck is the Tropic Deep Hydration Soothing Cooling mask. I can do this without washing the brush in between applications by using the brush end that applies smoother masks more comfortably. Lightly wash the brush when finished and leave to dry naturally.
4. Beauty Bay Jade Roller:
https://www.beautybay.com/p/beauty-bay/the-jade-facial-roller/
I recently bought a double-ended jade roller after seeing everyone using them on YouTube. Mine has a large and small side, it isn’t genuine jade but I’ve still seen results and the quality and weight of the roller feels good. I’ve loved adding this to my skincare routine because every night feels like a spa and I love anything that can make my self-care even more luxurious (without it being gimmicky!)
I keep my roller in the fridge all the time, unless I’m using it and when I have used it, I wash it under warm water and some soap. Keeping the roller in the fridge overnight helps to maximise the feeling and benefits of tightening and brightening your face! Muscles in the face become very tense as we are continuously using many of them in our daily activities. Even sleeping on your stomach or side on rough fabric can cause wrinkles and lines. The cooling sensation and rolling effect with the smooth stone, relieves stress and tension in the face. By using this massage technique into your daily routine, you can guarantee the overall health of your skin will improve after regular use.
Many beauty experts claim that it is more of a trend or a gimmick, but in my opinion this is a comfortable, affordable and easy face massage alternative for those who don’t feel that confident in completing a decent face massage using their hands. It is also a genuinely nice feeling first thing in the morning or after a long, stressful day. The trick is to use the jade roller after applying your products like a serum or oil. I use my hands to lightly tap a slow-drying serum all over my face, then hold my cold roller upright and roll it in gentle upward/outward motions and continue this for about 5 minutes but you can choose how long you roll. It is important not to use this tool with too much force or pushing deep into the skin as this could cause bruising, damaged capillaries and worsening of a current skin condition. Treat the tool against your skin as a simple touch and let it naturally roll instead of pushing against your face. You may be tempted or think it doesn’t hurt, but it won’t create the desired effect.
I can say that I have seen a difference in my eye bags and my cheekbones look more defined than before. It’s helped me with muscle tightness in my jaw and back of my neck. I feel like it evenly distributes my products into my skin leaving brighter, longer-lasting results! The jade roller hasn’t made any difference in my hormonal acne, not better nor worse, but the overall brightness and fullness of my skin has improved with everyday use. If you do notice any visible effect, this will be temporary and will need maintaining with everyday gentle use.
5. The Body Shop Facial Buffer:
https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-gb/face/beauty-tools/facial-buffer/p/p000163
This facial buffer from the body shop is something I use when I feel like there’s become a build-up of dead, dry skin. Not every day, but each person is different! I like to use this wet either with a wash off cream cleanser or a gentle exfoliant scrub. Be mindful that you should never roughly scrub your face with any product, including your hands as it can cause damage from tugging or scratching at your skin. Gently and slowly work the product in circular upward motions with the buffer and rinse with water or a cloth! Exfoliating your skin is important for revealing the renewal of skin cells and de-clogging trapped dirt in your pores. But over-exfoliation and scrubbing can lead to your skin overcompensating for this damage and in turn either produce more sebum (oily skin) or create a drier, flaky barrier once healed.
A tip for using this product is steaming your face, you can use a hot bowl of water over a safe table with a towel covering your head above the bowl. Steam your face for 5-10 minutes, apply a suitable product of choice (Jamaican Black Castor Oil is a good option) leave for 15 minutes, rinse off oil, apply your cleanser, then use your facial buffer in gentle circular motions to remove dead skin and remaining oil and cleanser. Use a couple of times until you are satisfied with results.
Chloe is a junior account manager and content writer with a passion for beauty.
